The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 45 NEWS FROM THE EMERALD ISLE. An Interesting Budget from T. Edens Osborne Who Chats on a Number of Things. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Belfast, Ireland, Jan. 2, 1908. Business in "talkers" during the first three weeks of December was most disappointing so far as . phonographs were concerned, but the entire month was a record one as regards the output of gramophones, especially the quick-selling "Monarch," at £7. 10s., which has had a phenomenal sale. The New "Bijou Grand" alluded to in last month's notes, has attracted much attention and has been locally voted the ne plus ultra of household entertainers. The Lady Mayoress, the Countess of Shaftesbury, visited Mr. T. Edens Osborne's salon specially to hear this delightful instrument and her Ladyship, whose amiability and lovable disposition have endeared her to our citizens, graciously expressed herself charmed with its truly marvelous reproduction of the dulcet voice of Melba, Patti and other celebrities. The most expensive "talker" now on the market is the new elaborately carved oak (Flemish style) auxeto-gramophone, the lowest sale price of which is £110 and Mr. Osiborne possesses the only one in North of Ireland (probably in the whole of Ireland). It came to hand early in December since when its ornate appearance and beauty of design have been the theme of many a tete a tete in the drawing-room, boudoir and club. "See Naples and then die" (Vedi Napoli e pori moii!) so freqtlently quoted should beforgotten and the expression "Hear the gramophone and live" substituted. The sale of phonographs and records during the week immediately preceding (jhristmas was enormous and taxed the capacities of Mr. Osbome's efficient staff of assistants. Genuine Edison products still "keep the lead," but "sterling" records are very popular and quick sellers. Zonophone discs are still booming and there is always a steady demand for Odeon double-sided records, the band selections of the latter make being prime favorites. The best ledger accounts however are with gramophone buyers. In Octo'ber Mr. Osborne sold a gramophone to a private customer. Within six weeks the machine and records supplied to said customer amounted to over £100 and he has on Ms books several customers who have been buying over £100 worth of talking machine goods annually since 1905. The good news that Madame Tetrazzini had made a number of records for the gramophone Co., London, was hailed with delight by local users of disc machines who look forward with pleasurable anticipation to the end of January when the said company hope to place these records on the market. Considering the sensation which this famous cantatrice has recently created at Covent Garden, London, the sale of the Tetrazzini records is sure to be phenomenally large. Mr. Osborne has already placed his order with the gramophone company for a supply of them. HUMPHREY'S CHEERY REPORT. Biggest Record Cabinet Trade in Four Years Reported by Humphrey Bookcase Co. Decidedly gratified is the Humphrey Bookcase Co. with the rapid growth of their record cabinet business during the past year. An increase over 1906 of more than 50 per cent, is reported. The Humphrey policy of making a complete line for both cylinder and disc records, and giving exclusive agencies to jobbers throughout the country is bearing fruit. The following excerpt, taken from a letter just received from a leading eastern jobber, is typical: "We are more than delighted with results since we began handling the Humphrey line exclusively. Our salesmen have had less trouble in meeting competition and find it much easier work talking the Humphrey line exclusively. Our trade has been larger than ever, and the en closed order will indicate what we look forward to for 1908." The Humphrey Bookcase Co. state that they have under way a new low-priced cabinet which will make everybody sit up and take notice! Details of this new cabinet will be announced in the near future. INCREASING FACTORY FORCES. With the first weeks of the year, inventory has been engaging the attention of jobbers, dealers and manufacturers. Naturally business is quiet, and its improvement in any strength is not looked for until after the middle of the month. The manufacturers state they are making preparations to increase their factory forces, as they look for a brisk demand for records, machines and general requisites at an early date. The Western reports are of a more encouraging tenor than those coming from Eastern points. The South and Southwest are about holding their own, judging from orders in the hands of jobbers doing business beyond the confines of their immediate territory. Monetary affairs are rapidly clearing up, collections have improved, and banks are again in a way to extend their usual facilities in handling accounts. For this relief the thanks are 'deep and profound. to 19, and each container has an extension index tab numbered consecutively from 0 to 199. The Eureka (meaning "I have found it") Library Cabinet is the invention of C. V. Henkel, president of the General Phonograph Supply Co., after years of work. The individual record container is permanently mounted on a metal rod passing through each envelope. Each container provides a separate and definite plan for every disc, affording absolute protection against dust and dirt and thus prolonging the life of the record. The operation of this clever device is detailed in the advertisement of the General Phonograph Supply Co., on another page. The company appear to have made a tenstrike with their various exclusive specialties. A FEW WORLD BRIEFLETS. J. Victor Costran, of Buenos Ayres, Argentina, S.' A., who has been in New York for a month and more, expects to take his departure for home in a few days. He goes via Europe in order to make the speediest time and have a comfortable voyage. While in the States Mr. Costran has been the recipient of many courtesies. A CHANCE TO MAKE MONEY. The announcement of the Syracuse Wire Works in another part of The World is worthy the attention of the trade, inasmuch as they make an offer, the acceptance of which will mean a saving of money for all interested. Their style 123 rack is much in vogue among the dealers who sell a great many of the small sizes for home use, and the fact that it is offered at a special price will enable the trade to clear quite a little money on this venture. This subject of diaphragms has been given very careful consideration and a number of experiments made by J. Newcomb Blackman, proprietor of the Blackman Talking Machine Co., which has resulted in his putting on the market the "Playrite" diaphragm. Mr. Blackman says "the name tells what they do." Goods to the value of $20,000 go in a single shipment to the Argentine, S. A., this month via the export department of the Columbia Phonograph Co., General. THE EUREKA HBRARY CABINET. In the Eureka' Library Cabinet for filing and cataloging disc records, there are two rows of record containers — one for 10-inch records and one for 12-inch records. For simplifying the filing and locating of records, the decimal system is used. Each row is divided into ten divisions, and each division is equipped with ten envelope containers. The divisions are numbered from 0 New Year's eve the Columbia Minstrels, an organization of the laboratory artists, rendered an excellent program at the Crescent Club smoker. The following were in the company: Jim Devins, Ed. Meeker, John Forsman, Peter LeMar, Arthur Collins, Geo. Gilibert, Byron G. Harlan, Steve Porter, William Redmond and Vess L. Ossman. The Columbia Phonograph Co., General, have just brought out two of the best numbers in "The Merry Widow," the operetta that is entrancing Europe and America, namely, the famous waltz and "Maxim's." They are on the 12inch disc records and are considered excellent. THE MAN WITH THE GOODS THE WHITE BLACKMAN A COMPLETE RECORD STOCK DRAWS THE TRADE. <ir You know that, Mr. Dealer, for )ou will favor the Jobber who has the goods. It costs no more but you are able to fill your orders. Don't wait until your customer asks for certain records. Keep a full stock or next time he may call on the fellow who does. TO KEEP A FULL STOCK,^ORDER FROM BLACKMAN. <lf How many Jobbers can offer you a full stock of EDISON or VICTOR goods and how many of those few can equal BLACKMAN'S service. <]f Don't rely too much on the worn out claim that "Mr. Edison or Victor Jobber, can give the best service on his "Exclusive Line." ONE ORDER FOR WHAT YOUjWANT. The delay and extra expense of making up TWO orders for some EDISON and VICTC3r records you want must be considered. Why not make it ONE order and send it to BLACKMAN ? It will save you time and money and the results will give you the "BLACKMAN HABIT." BE ALIVE, DON'T LET THE OTHER FELLOW BURY yOU. <]f We have a number of ideas that will HELP YOU to be more ALIVE, and GET MORE PROFIT on Edison or Victor goods. Blackman is not satisfied to simply sell vou goods, but wants to help you sell them, so you will KEEP BUYING. Let us have a talk on Improvements. Tell us what you want to do and perhaps we can give you some good ideas. YOURS FOR THE GOODS BLACKMAN TALKING MACHINE CO. J. NEWCOMB BLACKMAN, Prop'r. "THE WHITE BLACKMAN" 9T CHAMBERS ST. NEW YORK EVERYTHING FOR EDISON AND VICTOR